Amidst the burgeoning conjectures circulating in the media, hinting at the escalating tensions along the border shared by Russia and Ukraine, Indian individuals serving within the ranks of the Russian Army have sought redress for their discharge.
The Ministry of External Affairs promptly repudiated the assertions, dismissing the notion of Indian nationals being compelled to engage in combat alongside their Russian counterparts. The MEA categorically labeled such media reports as spurious, emphasizing, “Reports insinuating the solicitation for discharge by Indians affiliated with the Russian army have been found to be inaccurate.”
The official statement from the Ministry accentuated the rigorous pursuit of each reported instance, clarifying that every case brought to the attention of the Indian Embassy in Moscow had been assertively communicated to the Russian authorities, ensuring thorough examination.
Media narratives have alluded to the deployment of several Indians in supportive capacities within the Russian military, with certain individuals purportedly coerced into combat scenarios.
In response to these developments, the MEA’s official spokesperson underscored the unwavering commitment of New Delhi to secure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad. The advisory urged individuals to exercise prudence and steer clear of conflict zones.
The MEA spokesperson reiterated New Delhi’s ongoing diplomatic dialogues with Moscow, emphasizing the concerted efforts to facilitate the discharge of Indian personnel associated with the Russian Army. The diplomatic intervention has already borne fruit, with several Indian nationals released from their obligations within the Russian military.
“As a top priority, we are dedicated to actively pursuing with the Russian authorities the cases of Indian nationals for their early discharge from the Russian army,” asserted the MEA statement, highlighting the paramount importance assigned to these efforts.
This response from the MEA follows previous advisories cautioning Indian citizens against assuming support roles within the Russian military amid the escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Indian embassy in Moscow remains actively involved in expediting the discharge process for affected Indians, emphasizing the imperative of safeguarding the welfare of Indian nationals. “The Indian Embassy has consistently brought to the attention of the relevant Russian authorities the issue of Indian nationals engaged in support roles with the Russian army,” affirmed MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaishwal on February 23, reiterating the necessity for prudence and abstention from involvement in conflict situations by citizens.